DUDLEY, MASS. – Nichols College women's volleyball team ended the day with an even split during the Bison October Tri-Match, dropping against conference opponent Suffolk University (20-25, 13-25, 12-25) and blowing by the visiting Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (27-25, 25-15, 25-20) and securing the win for their Senior Day match.

After the day, the Bison record moves to 7-15 (1-5 CNE).

Match #1 vs Suffolk University (8-14,3-3 CNE)

The Bison's offensive presence was led by senior Kya Burdier, who recorded a team-high four kills. Senior Melina Bezati and sophomore Gabrielle McKayle also made strong contributions on offense with three kills apiece. Senior Mairead Frost tallied three service aces, while first-years Alyssa Morse and Brooke Partridge added two and one, respectively. McKayle also notched the team's lone block at the net. Graduate student Ruby St. Onge paced the offense with 12 assists, and junior Elizabeth Mullen anchored the defense with 12 digs.

The first set proved to be the most competitive, with Suffolk opening on a 3-0 run. The Bison quickly responded with kills from St. Onge and senior Maille Ianniruberto. The Rams regained momentum as both teams traded points, eventually pulling ahead with a 5-point surge to lead 14-7. The tide then shifted in Nichols' favor, as a 9-1 run sparked by a Partridge kill gave the Bison a 16-15 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived as Suffolk closed the set strong, taking seven of the final points to secure a 25-20 win.

The second set opened in a tight battle, with Nichols looking to even the match and Suffolk aiming to extend its lead. After a brief exchange of points, the Rams caught fire with a 10-point run that put the set out of reach. Nichols fought to regain control behind a kill from Bezati, but Suffolk maintained its edge to take the frame 25-13.

In the final set, the Bison aimed to shift momentum and rewrite the story of the match, but the Rams came out determined, scoring the first three points. The set mirrored the second, as Suffolk continued to dominate and built an 18-8 lead. Despite the Bison's efforts, the Rams sealed the match with a 25-12 victory, completing the 3-0 sweep.

Match #2 vs Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (14-7, 4-1 MASCAC)

The Bison made their presence felt on Senior Day, with standout performances from seniors Melina Bezati and Mairead Frost, who excelled on both sides of the ball. Bezati powered the offense with 11 kills while hitting at a .292 clip, adding three aces and eight digs on defense. Frost recorded a double-double with 10 kills and a team-leading 10 digs, hitting an impressive .316 on the day. Graduate student Ruby St. Onge had a dominant all-around performance, tying her career high with 30 assists and setting a new career best, and leading the Bison, with three blocks. She also contributed four aces and nine digs.

The Bison opened the match strong with an early kill from Bezati, setting the tone from the start. The Trailblazers responded by quickening their pace and building a comfortable six-point lead. Nichols stayed close behind, fueled by two aces from Burdier and a six-point offensive surge featuring kills from multiple Bison. MCLA regained momentum with an 8-1 run to take a 21-16 advantage, ready to close the set. However, the Bison refused to back down, storming back with a 9-3 run to take a narrow 25-24 lead. Nichols sealed the set moments later, as back-to-back attacks from Burdier and Frost broke through the MCLA defense to give the Bison a thrilling opening-set 27-25 victory.

With fire under their wings, Nichols carried the momentum into the second set. They jumped out to an early 5-2 lead and continued to pull away. The lead grew with a kill and service ace from Frost, followed by another kill from Bezati, putting the Trailblazers on the defensive. Nichols kept the pressure high, finishing the set strong behind a trio of aces from Bezati to take the second frame convincingly.

In the final set, Nichols came out with intensity and focus, determined to close the match strong. The Bison jumped out to an early lead, with kills from Burdier and Frost setting the tone, but the Trailblazers answered with a short run to keep the score close in the opening points. Nichols quickly regained control, going on a 7-1 surge fueled by St. Onge's precise setting and strong attacks from Burdier, Frost, and Ianniruberto, stretching the score to 12-5. MCLA attempted to mount a comeback, winning a few points to make it 14-9, but the Bison responded with another decisive run, 8-2, highlighted by defensive plays from Mullen and Frost that turned away multiple attacks. The Bison closed the set with continued pressure and consistent execution, ultimately taking the frame 25-20, capping off the electric senior day performance 3-0. 

The Bison will be on the road for their next conference matchup against Johnson & Wales University (12-8, 3-4 CNE) at the Wildcat Center on Wednesday, October 22nd 7:00 PM